Columbia man facing federal child porn charges

A Columbia man was arraigned last week in federal court on charges he received and possessed images of child pornography.

Neil Erin Purdy, 28, of Columbia,was charged Friday in U.S. District Court in East St. Louis with one count of “receipt of visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct,” and another count of possessing such material.

A detention hearing is set for 10 a.m. Friday, during which the prosecution will attempt to have Purdy remain in federal custody without bail pending a trial.

In March, Purdy was sentenced to 180 days in Monroe County Jail with credit for time served, placed on probation for 30 months, and fined $270 plus fees for felony criminal sexual abuse.

Court information states that in December 2011, Purdy committed a sex act with a female victim who was at least 13 but under 17 years of age when the incident occurred.

Conditions imposed as part of Purdy’s conviction in Monroe County include the completion of sex offender treatment, no contact with the victim, and mandatory registration as a sex offender.

The Columbia Police Department assisted with the investigation into this crime as well as the alleged federal crimes.

Corey Saathoff

Corey is the editor of the Republic-Times. He has worked at the newspaper since 2004, and currently resides in Columbia. He is also the principal singer-songwriter and plays guitar in St. Louis area country-rock band The Trophy Mules.